Aberchirder teenager to compete at karting's Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal
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A TEENAGE Grampian Kart Club member is set to go wheel-to-wheel with some of the world's best young drivers at the Rotax Max Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal this month.
Third year Banff Academy pupil Steven Duncan (14), from Aberchirder, qualified for the world finals in Portimao after becoming vice-champion in his mini-max group at the British Kart Championship in December.
The British Kart Championship, shortened in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, saw Steven compete in four events – in Kent, Newcastle, Dorchester and Northampton.
Finishing second overall, of 20 drivers, means Steven is now set to compete with 72 of the very best in the junior class from January 23 to January 30 in Portimao, in the Algarve region of Portugal.
He said: "It was really tricky getting to where we did in the shortened season.
"The races were hard but I managed to become vice-champion, with the top three going to Portugal.
"This will be my first time competing abroad, which is something I've always wanted to do.
"There are only five British drivers from my class and none of us have been abroad to race before. It's going to be new for all of us so if we make the top 15 or 20 that would be great.
"I've got to move up a class, too, to junior, so I'll be competing in a class I've never been in before."
Steven, who has been karting since the age of eight, is Northern Kart Federation champion, Cumbria Kart Club champion and, more locally, Grampian Kart Club champion.
For these events, he has worked side-by-side with his dad, Ian. For the British Championship, Steven joined the Vision Motorsport team.
Despite his karting exploits, Steven has remained committed to school, often travelling north from England overnight on Sundays in the family's converted van, where he can sleep, and attending school in the morning.
As well as father Ian, Steven receives support from his family including mum Tracy and sister Michelle, who often travel to events.
He added: "I don't get to take days off school on Monday. There is a lot of commitment from my mum, dad and myself.
"It was a lot harder this year with everything back-to-back and racing every weekend because of covid, but going to Portugal makes it worthwhile.
"I want to give a big thanks to my mum, dad and the teams at Vision Motorsport and Potenza Engines because they have really helped this year."
